It’s very important when thinking about summer school to keep the same students in each classroom.  It’s not recommended to have students be switching classrooms at all.  Less than 10 people per classroom and maintaining social distance rules. 

Be very careful with students at recess or bathroom breaks to maintain social distance at all times.

Info soon to come out regarding guidance for summer youth programs. 

Nicole Wienen RN

District School Nurse

 

 

The MN governor released guidelines for graduation ceremonies this week. They’re not recommended to be indoors or in outdoor sports stadiums.  Also permitted are car parades and ceremonies in parking lots where families can stay inside their cars.

Schools are advised to consider curbside pickup or delivery for handing out diplomas, with staff wearing protective gloves and masks when handling items given to students.

In-person social gatherings with people from multiple households, even in situations where ample space between attendees could be accommodated, but does not comply with social distancing practices and introduces a great deal of contact unpredictability and increases the potential for disease transmission.

In the fall, immunizations for students (kindergarten, 7th, and 12th grades) are still required and recommended.   Clinics are still providing immunizations for kids.  We do not want kids falling behind on immunization schedules.

MDH is working on guidelines for ACT testing in the future.  Group sizes are going to be an issue.  They’re going to need very specific rules to control social distancing. 

Nicole Wienen RN

District School Nurse

 

5/6/20 MDH conference call

 COVID-19 cases are still increasing in MN.  We are hopefully heading towards the peak in MN, but still unsure when that will happen.  Cases are still low in kids. 

 Social distancing is definitely helping to decrease exposure cases of COVID-19.  This is not the time to start letting our guard down with social distancing though. 

 The CDC has changed some exclusion guidelines – now if someone has COVID-19 symptoms, they’ve expanded the isolation period to staying home for 10 days (it was 7 days). Symptoms consistent with COVID-19 include: new onset or worsening cough OR shortness of breath OR at least two of the following symptoms: fever (100.4o F or higher); chills; muscle pain; headache; sore throat; new loss of taste or smell.

 COVID-19 testing:

All negative test – if symptomatic, need to stay home until fever free and no symptoms.

All positive tests – MDH will follow up with family and do activity follow up with schools and work.

 MDE and MDH are working on guidelines for graduation ceremonies and plan to get that out sometime in the next week. 

 Materials collection/Handling for school (for example, handing out cap/gowns and returning computers):

            *Staff should wear a cloth mask and gloves if possible

            *Wash hands or sanitize before and after handling items

            *Do not allow anyone to pick up or drop off if sick

            *Label and bag items

            *Pick up and drop offs should be outside if possible

            *You may wait 24 hours before cleaning the items returned

            *Curbside drop-offs minimize the risk of exposure

            *No gathering of any type should occur

            *Technology should be cleaned with alcohol-based products (at least 70%)

COVID-19 is very unlikely to spread on paper-based products. People are more apt to get COVID-19 from an infected person than from products.  Cleaning is secondary to social distancing. 

Nicole Wienen RN

District School Nurse

4/29/20 MDH conference call

MN COVID-19 cases are still increasing daily

COVID-19 isn’t impacting kids as much as adults

 CDC has increased its symptom list for COVID-19:

            Same initial “stand-alone” symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath

            Adding any two of these: muscle ache, headaches, sore throat,  loss of taste/smell

*If someone has one stand-alone symptom, send home from school.

*If someone has two of the new symptoms, send home from school.

 Cleaning/disinfectant guidance on CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html

 MDH is working on “Exclusion Guidance” for schools.

MDH is working on “Materials Handling” – Both will be out in the next couple of weeks

 Childcare screening – parents should not be coming into the building to drop off or pick up kids.  We don’t need to screen parents as long as they aren’t in the building. Screening kids upon entering (including taking temperatures) is still recommended.

 Graduation ceremony for seniors – at this point, there is no timeline yet for guidance on that.  We will wait for the governor’s decision whether or not to extend the Shut Down into May. Any gatherings need to have less than 10 people.

 School fall 2020 – Planning is in process for specific guidelines on how to handle sick students/ staff in school.

 Childcare for summer – No changes at this time.

Nicole Wienen RN

District School Nurse

 

4/22/20 MDH conference call

There will be new cleaning information for schools from the CDC coming soon.  It will be posted in the next week on their website.

Regarding employees working at school:

    *if someone tests negative to COVID-19 and is asymptomatic, they can return to work.

    *if someone tests negative to COVID-19 but is symptomatic, they need to stay home from 

         work for 7 days before returning to work.

    (Symptomatic = fever, cough, or shortness of breath)

MDH is working on a Materials Handling sheet for schools.

MDH is working on a Toolkit for re-opening schools.

We are still waiting to hear from the governor about returning to school in May.

Nicole Wienen RN

District School Nurse

4/15/20 MDH conference call
Child care screenings – need to maintain a 6-foot distance if not wearing PPE while screening.
Some school districts are asking the parents to check temps at home before coming to child
care and reporting that when dropping off at child care. TRF school district will continue to check temperatures (while wearing appropriate PPE) upon children arriving at child care.
Some districts are using a physical barrier (like plexiglass) in between worker and child while
screening.
It’s best to not allow adults to come into the school while dropping off and picking up child for
child care. This limits possible exposure and germs coming into the building when possible.
CDC added a section to their website on Parks/Recreation. It is still safe to utilize
parks/playground equipment during child care.
No clear answer yet about returning to school May 4.

Nicole Wienen RN

District School Nurse

4/8/20 – MDH conference call

25% of COVID-19 cases may be asymptomatic transmission (No symptoms)

75% of COVID-19 cases are based on symptomatic transmission (patients have symptoms)

 All transmission may be spread 1-3 days BEFORE a person shows any symptoms of COVID-19.

 Social distancing is still the most important way to prevent the majority of spread. 

 New recommendation from the CDC - as of today, April 8, 2020, cloth face coverings/masks should be worn when in public.

 It is recommended that child care workers and food service workers wear cloth face covers while at work. It is recommended that all staff working at school wear cloth face coverings.  If you work alone all day, it is ok to not wear a cloth face covering.  If you interact with anyone, you should wear a cloth face covering at work.

 Child care workers need to wear gloves and cloth face covering during temperature screenings when children arrive daily.

 Don’t touch your eyes, nose, mouth while wearing a mask. Wash your hands before you put it on and after you take it off.  If you remove your mask during work, wash your hands and put on a new clean mask after.  Have a backup mask in case you touch it or it gets dirty.

 Making your own cloth face cover is recommended. The CDC explains how on their website. Please don’t purchase or order face masks as those are to be saved for health care workers.

 Cloth masks shouldn’t replace handwashing.  Continue to wash your hands as needed.

How to make your own mask:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Nicole Wienen RN

District School Nurse

 

 Conference call with MDH

 Lots of discussion on wearing masks.  It is still not recommended for school staff to wear masks in the school or child care setting.   It promotes fear in children and adults.  Masks are good to keep germs in, but aren’t proven to prevent you from getting sick. 

 Food service workers do not need to wear masks while working. 

Child care workers do not need to wear masks while working, even when they are screening the children as they arrive to child care. 

 Playgrounds – there was some confusion, but it IS ok for child care kids to use and play on the playground equipment.  Being outside is very good for kids and it will promote good exercise for them. Remember to teach social distancing to the kids while outside.  A couple suggestions were to create a schedule and smaller groups so less kids are playing at a time.  Have kids wash hands before and after play. 

 City parks are open, but some cities are choosing to close their parks.  It is up to each city regarding how they choose to handle that. 

 CDC made a change in international travel.  All travel internationally is now considered level 3 countries.  Anyone who has traveled outside of the US needs to self-quarantine for 14 days after returning to MN.

 If a child gets sent home from child care with a fever OR cough OR shortness of breath, they need a Dr note to return to child care.

 If a child is sick with any of those 3 symptoms, all the siblings in that family go and stay home for 14 days. 

 There is no scientific proof that Ibuprofen shouldn’t be taken for COVID – 19 symptoms.  That is false information and MDH is not supporting or promoting that. 

 Nicole Wienen RN

District School Nurse

On Thursday, April 23, 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz extended Distance Learning for all schools in Minnesota through the end of the school year.  As a result of the Governor’s Order, the Minnesota State High School League has canceled all spring activities for the rest of the year.  ISD #564 will be issuing a full refund to all students and families for spring registration fees.  Unfortunately, we are unable to “roll fees over” into the next year.  A refund will be issued to each family based upon the method of payment to the district.  For example, if you paid by credit card, the refund will be to the credit card you used to pay the registration fee.  Please be patient as we process the refunds and know that our goal is to have this completed by Friday, May 8, 2020.

The Minnesota State High School League continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and the most current information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Office of the Governor. The MSHSL supports the efforts of all students, staff and communities in limiting the spread of COVID-19. The goal of the MSHSL is to be responsive to member schools and keep future participation options open for the spring activity season.

 

Effective immediately and continuing until the Governor of Minnesota has lifted his school closure declaration:

 

• All participation in MSHSL spring activities at all member schools is suspended.

 

• Participation includes, but is not limited to, competitions, training, practices, scrimmages, and contests.

 

Pending a reopening of schools by the Governor, return to participation protocols will be determined and communicated by the MSHSL Board and MSHSL staff.

 

No decisions regarding the cancellation of spring activities have been made at this time.

 

The suspension of participation includes fine arts activities and athletics and the following events remain suspended indefinitely:

• Speech Section and State Tournaments

• Music Contests

• Visual Arts Competitions and State Festival

• MSHSL State Robotics Tournament

• MSHSL Clay Target State Tournament

 

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available and as decisions are made.

 

For clarification on Participation Limitations during this time, refer to the Directive from March 17, 2020.

 

Previous COVID-19 Related Updates can be found at the top of the MSHSL website. legacy.mshsl.org

Process for picking up materials for distance learning

 

Our teachers have been busy working to develop a distance learning plan for your child that is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 30, 2020. In order to implement our Distance Learning Plan, your child may need to get materials that are currently in school.  We have established pick up times and locations so that parents/guardians can come and get materials that may be needed. Some of this could change with direction from the Governor & Minnesota Department of Education.

 

Click here for the full document

 

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Minnesota State High School League Spring Activity Participation Limitations Update from 3/17/20

 

The Minnesota State High School League provides guidance related to athletics/activities.  Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, there will be no practices, scrimmages, games, etc. through at least March 27, 2020 (MSHSL 2/15/2020 Update).

Essential Tier 2 Workers

Beyond the emergency workers listed in the Governor’s Executive Order, there are other critical workers that are absolutely necessary for districts to consider. Care for children of educators, gas and electric utility workers, food distribution personnel, water treatment staff, and others outlined below is essential to ensuring the public continues to receive these vital services.

Districts should make every effort to provide care for school-age children of workers in the areas below, if they are able to do so while adhering to the Minnesota Department of Health’s social distancing guidelines.

• Educators
• Child care workers
• NDoT employees
• State and local essential IT personnel
• Substance disorder treatment workers
• Medical examiners
• National Guard (if activated)

Water Treatment/Wastewater

• Water Treatment Plant Operators
• Drinking water distribution system maintenance workers
• Safe drinking water delivery personnel
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
• Storm and sanitary sewer system maintenance workers

Day-to-Day Operations for Gas and Electric Utilities

• Electric utility lineworkers, substation technicians, meter technicians, dispatchers, power plant operators
• Operations managers and supervisors
• Fleet and maintenance technicians
• Transmission and distribution engineers and operators
• Construction coordinators and technicians
• Fuel technicians
• Relay coordinators
• Control room/center operators
• Cybersecurity related information technology personnel
• Gas safety personnel
• Gas utility operations personnel
• Water system operators, water treatment plant operators
• Wastewater system operators, wastewater treatment plant operators
• Managers with key responsibility for customer and community communications and response

Emergency Response for Gas and Electric Utilities

• Damage assessment personnel
• Engineers
• Safety personnel
• Communications personnel
• Mutual aid crews from other utilities

Food Distribution Workers

Food Distribution Centers

• Drivers
• Order selectors
• Forklift loaders
• IT personnel
• Mechanics
• Sanitation workers

In-Store Food Personnel

• Store clerks
• Stockers
• Food preparation personnel
• Cleaning staff
• Deli and produce staff

Public Works

• City fleet (emergency equipment, fire trucks, police vehicles, etc.) maintenance workers
• Traffic signal system maintenance workers
• Emergency repair workers for bridges, water and sewer main breaks, and other emergent issues
• Administrative support personnel that ensure OSHA safety requirements and field support for operations
• Snowplow drivers

Solid Waste Management (waste, recyclable/organics)

• Collection, transfer trailer truck drivers and their fleet maintenance crews
• Transfer stations, landfills, resource recovery, recycling and organics facility operations staff
• Heavy equipment operators, facility operators (e.g. scale house operator, loader operator, line operators, boiler operator)
• Environmental systems (e.g. gas and leachate management, pollution control equipment)

Infectious and Hazardous Waste Management

• Infectious and hazardous waste collection personnel
• Infectious facilities operations personnel (e.g. autoclave and incineration operators)
• Hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities operations personnel

Other Shelter Staff and Outreach Workers

• Outreach workers to people experiencing homelessness
• Shelter and drop-in center maintenance, housekeeping and janitorial staff
• Shelter and drop-in center security staff
• Shelter and free meal program food preparation staff
• Domestic violence and victims services shelter staff

Telecommunication Network Operations

• Outside plant technicians for infrastructure restoration
• Install/Repair Technicians for customer premise restoration as needed
• Customer service representatives that interface with customers on service troubles
• Dispatchers involved with service repair and restoration

---

TIER 1

Under the Governor’s Executive Order 20-20, free school-age care for the children of emergency workers (including providers of healthcare, emergency medical services, long-term and post-acute care; law enforcement personnel; personnel providing correctional services; public health employees; firefighters and other first responders; and court personnel) was outlined. The orders directed schools to provide care to, at a minimum, district-enrolled students aged 12 and under.

In order to ensure that we are providing for the needs of our students, we are clarifying the work that falls within each of the identified emergency workers categories.

Healthcare personnel include:

• Personnel needed for direct care and critical administrative staff of the personnel needed for direct care
• Long-term facility personnel (full-time)
  • Group Homes
  • Residential Homes
  • Nursing Homes
• Post-acute Care personnel (full-time)
  • Long-term hospital
  • In-patient rehabilitation
  • Home Health
  • Skilled nurses

Emergency Medical Services personnel (full-time)

• Paramedics
• EMTs
• Immediate supervisory staff
• EMS Operators and dispatchers

Law Enforcement personnel:

• Full-time Police Officers and their supervisory staff
• Full-time Sheriffs and their supervisory staff
• Full-time State Patrol Officers and their supervisory staff
• 911 Operators and dispatchers their supervisory staff
• Full-time Investigators (at the discretion of their Agency Chief)

Firefighter personnel:

• Full-time firefighters
• Paid on call duty crew

Personnel providing Correctional services:

Minnesota Correctional Facility Staff

• Corrections officers
• Correctional Lieutenants
• Correctional Captains
• Physical plant
• Correctional facility case managers
• Correctional facility educators and educational paraprofessionals
• Wardens
• Associate wardens
• Correctional facility office assistants
• Correctional facility nurses and supervisors
• Correctional program therapists
• Correctional facility IT staff
• Correctional facility Human Resources staff
• Correctional facility financial services personnel
• Correctional facility records personnel
• Correctional facility safety officers

Centralized Correctional Operations Personnel

• Medical director
• Director of health services
• Reentry Services personnel
• Policy and legal services personnel
• Offender transportation personnel
• Centralized records personnel
• Centralized human resources personnel
• Investigators - Office of Special Investigations/Professional Accountability
• Minnesota Department of Corrections personnel assigned to Incident Management Team
• Minnesota Department of Corrections personnel assigned to Continuity of Operations team
• Minnesota Department of Corrections government and community relations personnel
• Minnesota Department of Corrections Hearings and Release Unit personnel
• Minnesota Department of Corrections Behavioral Health Unit personnel
• Minnesota Department of Corrections – Communications Unit
• Minnesota Department of Corrections – Office of Commissioner

Minnesota Correctional Supervision Services

• State Probation officers and supervisors
• State Probation agents and supervisors
• State Supervised release agents and supervisors
• State intensive supervised release agents and supervisors
• County Probation officers and supervisors
• County Probation agents and supervisors
• County Supervised release agents and supervisors
• County intensive supervised release agents and supervisors

Public Health employees:

• State and local public health employees directly supporting the response of COVID-19 and otherinfectious disease operations
• State and local public health officials responding to imminent public health threats
• Newborn health screeners
• State and local public health lab priority services
• County Emergency staff and managers supporting COVID-19
• Emergency Management essential personnel supporting COVID-19

Court Personnel:

• Full-time Court personnel

March 16, 2020

 

Dear ISD 564 Families and Students:

 

Thief River Falls Public Schools will be offering breakfast and lunch free of charge to all children from preschool to age 18 on weekdays from Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27, 2020.  This will be available via curbside pickup at the following locations: 

 

• Lincoln High School – Main Entrance

• Franklin Middle School – Entrance Door #2, North side of School

• Challenger Elementary School – Front Entrance

 

Parents and student pickup hours will be 11:00 am to 1:00 pm AND 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Food Services at 218-681-8675.

THIS IS ONLY AN OPTION FOR FAMILIES OF EMERGENCY WORKERS, HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND SCHOOL DISTRICT STAFF.

 • Childcare will be available March 18-27 from 6:30 am- 6:00 pm. at Challenger Elementary School.

 • Proof of employment will be required. This may be in a form of a letter from your employer or a copy of your employee badge

 • This is for families for children aged 4 through 12.

 • An application must be filled out prior to your child starting childcare. This will be available online at www.trfcommunityed.com or at The District Service Center

 • Breakfast will be served from 8:30am-9:30am, lunch will be served from 12:00pm-12:30pm and a snack will be provided in the afternoon

 

Contact Meg Kolden at The District Service Center with questions, 230 Labree Ave S., 681-8711x5243 or 5244.

 

The application for Childcare for Helathcare, Emergency Personnel and School District Employees can be found here

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH):

General Information on COVID-19 - (https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html)

Information for Schools and Child Care - (https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools.html)

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

General Information on COVID-19  (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html)

Information for Schools and Child Care (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html)

 

MN State IT Center of Excellence

Educator Resources for E-Learning During COVID-19

 

MN-DOT Bridge UP! curriculum - STEM Education and Outreach

 

Parent Resources (includes tools, apps, games, self-care)

Please Note: Thief River Falls Public Schools does not endorse any of these websites, our goal is to provide users with resources that may be helpful to them and their families

• 17 Apps to Help Kids Stay Focused (via CommonSense Media)
• Best Documentaries (via CommonSense Media)
• Best Family Movies (via CommonSense Media)
• Best Music Apps and Games for Kids (via CommonSense Media)
• BrainPop on Coronavirus
• Dance Games (via CommonSense Media)
• Device-Free Dinner Guidelines (via CommonSense Media)
• Free Educational Apps, Games, and Websites (via CommonSense Media)
• Free SEL Activities and Practices (via Greater Good in Education)
• How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus (via Open Circle)
• How To Talk To Your Kids About Coronavirus (via PBS)
• Designing Learning From Home Experiences with UDL (via Novak Education)
• Meditation Apps for Kids
• My Kid’s School is Closed, So Now What? (via Confident Parents, Confident Kids)
• Sibling Watch-Together TV (via CommonSense Media)
• Talking to Children About COVID-19 (via NASP)
• Teaching Kids Media Smarts During Breaking News (via CommonSense Media)
• Virus Anxiety Resources

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Governor Walz has ordered that all Minnesotans stay “Safe at Home” beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2020, through April 10, 2020.  

This means he expects Minnesotans to stay in their homes, only leaving for food, medicine, outdoor exercise, and to fulfill other essential services.  

In addition, he has ordered distance learning to occur through at least April 30, 2020. 

If and when different guidance is provided by the Governor, we will communicate it to our families through our parent notification system and website.

The Governor has been clear that he considers educational services to be essential to keeping our communities strong. As a former teacher, he understands the important role that we play and continues to expect that schools will provide things such as distance learning, childcare services, building maintenance, and food service, while maintaining district operations related to such things as finance, human resources, technology, etc.

We recognize the virus that causes Coronavirus Disease (“COVID-19”) is easily transmitted, especially in group settings, and it is essential that the spread of the virus be slowed to protect the ability of public and private health care providers to handle the influx of new patients and safeguard public health and safety.  

Because of the risk of the rapid spread of the virus, the need to protect all members of the District and Community is essential. We will be finalizing our plan for staffing of the district in light of the latest information from Governor Walz.  Once this is finalized and shared with staff, we will be updating families.  

Please continue to use the District website at www.trf.k12.mn.us for the most up to date information. Feel free to contact me as well, I will continue to be available and present.

Thank you for being part of Thief River Falls Public School District, we will walk this journey together and will be stronger than ever when it passes.

March 18, 2020

Dear ISD 564 Families and Students:

On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Education updated the list of workers who would qualify for free daycare while schools are shut down for staff to be able to plan, design, and build a Distance Learning Plan. This list was made available Tuesday late afternoon and has been added to our webpage under the header of “DEFINITIONS: SCHOOL-AGE CARE FOR CHILDREN OF EMERGENCY WORKERS TIER 1 & 2”

This new list of qualifying workers has been defined by MDE as being “Tier II Workers” and schools have been asked to provide daycare if there is the capacity to do so. While Tier I workers are required to have daycare provided by the schools, Tier II is not a requirement. We are currently looking at the possibility of trying to make this happen, depending upon how much room we have and staff to provide it. Our intention is to assess our capacity Thursday morning and if we have the capacity, let people know. It should be noted that daycare will still only be provided for students who are 4 - 12 years of age.

The District understands that with school being closed, it is putting pressure on our families to find alternatives for child care. We will continue to do our best to meet the needs of the community in a safe way and alleviate some of that pressure for our families.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The purpose of this communication is to share some information with you regarding the providing of childcare during the eight days that school will be closed beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020 through Friday, March 27, 2020. Information you need to be aware of is as follows:

 

1. Childcare will be available from Wednesday, March 18 - 27, 2020 at Challenger Elementary School from 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM each weekday.
2. This option is only available for full-time emergency and health care workers and school staff per MDE guidelines and guidance.
3. Proof of employment will be required. This may be in the form of a letter from your employer or a copy of your employee badge.
4. This is for families with children ages 4 - 12 (Pre-K to 5th Grade).
5. An application must be filled out prior to starting daycare, even if you already utilize Latchkey services. The application is available on the district website, the community education website, and paper copies will be available at Challenger Elementary School and the District Service Center.

 

As per Minnesota Department of Education Guidelines, there will be no charge to families that meet the criteria for this service. Because of this requirement, Latchkey programming will NOT be available at Challenger at this time.

 

If you have any questions, please email Meg Kolden at meg.kolden@myprowler.org or call 218-681-8711 ext 5243.

March 15, 2020

 

Dear ISD 564 Families and Students:

Governor Walz announced this morning the closures of all schools to students in Minnesota beginning Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27, 2020.  Thief River Falls Public Schools WILL be in operation Monday and Tuesday, March 16 and 17, 2020. As of today, the plan is to resume instruction on Monday, March 30, 2020.  The purpose of this closure is to give staff time to plan to provide educational services in the event of a longer school closure.

We met as an Administrative Team on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 2:00 PM to discuss what steps we as a district will be taking in light of COVID-19. Items that were discussed included:

• Monday and Tuesday will be “normal days” for staff and students.
• We will need to develop and finalize a distance learning plan.
• Staff will be asked to provide feedback on the development of our Distance Learning Plan.
• As per the Governor and Commissioner, the district will only be providing childcare for children of health care and emergency workers. 
• Latchkey will not be open to our school staff or the community effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
• Staff will still be expected to answer parent educational questions.
• Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all school activities and/or activities that take place in our buildings are cancelled.
• Effective immediately, all guests and volunteers will not be allowed to enter the schools.  CAP and internship students will report to their LHS classrooms.
• We will be asking parents, visitors, and non-essential people to limit their visits to our buildings.  Signs will be posted informing everyone of this change at our buildings.  

During the school closure for students, Thief River Falls Public Schools will be joining school districts and charter schools across the state to create plans to equitably distribute distance learning to our students should we need to close schools statewide for a longer period of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minnesota Department of Education is defining distance learning to mean that a student receives daily interaction with their licensed teacher(s) and appropriate educational materials. Starting March 30, 2020, per the instruction from the Minnesota Department of Education, student learning will continue for the rest of the school year.

Our educators will be giving thoughtful planning to our distance learning plan, offering careful consideration for students in a variety of areas, including students receiving special education services, multilingual learners, students experiencing homelessness, and students who rely on meals served at school.

Once our distance learning plan is finalized we will communicate the plan to families through our normal channels of communication. 

We will continue to keep you informed as we navigate COVID-19.  We will be sharing updates with you regarding topics such as childcare and visitors to our buildings as soon as we can get them done.  Each will be sent out as an individual notice to you due to their importance and not wanting them to get lost in a long communication document.  As always, our first priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We also want to ensure every child has access to the education they need and deserve.

Sincerely,

Bradley D. Bergstrom

Superintendent of Schools

Notification: COVID-19 Updates Webpage March 31, 2020 Document updated: Minnesota Distance Teaching and Learning Implementation Guidance Updates within the document are highlighted in these areas: Equitable Distance Teaching and Learning Funding Sub-pages updated: New resources added on each of these pages. Student Instruction COVID-19 Resources Food and Nutrition COVID-19 Resources Special Education COVID-19 Resources New resource added on the MARSS Reporting Instructions Page:  MARSS Guidance for Distance Learning Planning and Distance Learning Period

Notification: COVID-19 Updates Webpage March 27, 2020 Document updated: Minnesota Distance Teaching and Learning Implementation Guidance Updates within the document are highlighted in these areas: Funding School Age Care for Children of Critical Workers Staffing Document updated: School Closure Guidance for Minnesota Public School Districts and Charter Schools Updates within the document are highlighted in these areas: Nutrition Early Learning

Notification: COVID-19 Updates Webpage March 26, 2020 Document updated: School Closure Guidance for Minnesota Public School Districts and Charter Schools Updates within the document are highlighted in these areas: Early Learning Assessments New resource added: Distance Learning Plan Template  This is an optional document for school districts and charter schools to use for the purpose of sharing their distance learning plans. Sub-pages updated: New documents added to the Special Education COVID-19 Resources page and the Food and Nutrition COVID-19 Resources page.

Notification: COVID-19 Updates Webpage March 25, 2020 Page updated: Information regarding Governor Walz's Executive Order 20-19 was added to the main COVID-19 Updates web page. Document added: Minnesota Distance Teaching and Learning Implementation Guidance A new guidance document for school districts and charter schools to reference as they implement distance learning programs beginning March 30. Document added: School-age Care for Children of Critical Workers - State List  This list clarifies requirements for school districts and charter schools to provide school-age care to children of critical workers. Document added: Student Privacy in the Online Setting Legal requirements and factors to consider for districts and schools that use an online platform as part of their distance learning plan. Document added: Selecting an Online Platform for Student Services  Direct access, best practices and where to go for more information for districts and schools that use an online platform as part of their distance learning plan.

Notification: COVID-19 Updates Webpage March 24, 2020 Document updated: School Closure Guidance for Minnesota Public School Districts and Charter Schools Updates within the document are highlighted in these areas: Attendance Early Learning Document updated: Q-and-A on School Closure New resource added: Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) COVID-19 Guidance Follow the link above and navigate to the bottom of the page to find COVID-19 related documents.

Notification: COVID-19 Updates Webpage March 23, 2020 Page updated: Added information on federal waiver for statewide assessments, including option for public comment on the waiver. Document updated: School Closure Guidance for Minnesota Public School Districts and Charter Schools Updates within the document are highlighted in these areas: Distance Learning Meals and/or Instructional Material Pick-up Mental Health and Well-being English Learners  Students Experiencing Homelessness or Housing Instability Section added on High School Equivalency/GED Testing and Records  Tribal Considerations  New resource added: 21st Century Community Learning Centers Programs and COVID-19 Questions and Answers